The nationally acclaimed San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) and The Chan National Queer Arts Center (The Chan) this week announced programming for Season 49: RISING, an exuberant 2026–27 season celebrating the power of music to bring people together, lift spirits, and raise voices. Single tickets for all concerts and events will go on public sale beginning Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at https://www.sfgmc.org/
The new season spans SFGMC’s signature Holiday Spectacular concerts in four Bay Area theaters—including a return to the historic Castro Theatre for the first time since 2023 with Home for the Holidays—to a mainstage celebration of the unforgettable songs and artists behind One-Hit Wonders, culminating just in time for June Pride with DIVAS!, a joyous tribute to the legendary voices, larger-than-life personalities, and music that have inspired generations and become part of the soundtrack of LGBTQ+ life.
A vibrant lineup of special events and community programs will also animate The Chan throughout the season, including a high-energy Queer Lunar New Year celebration welcoming the Year of the Goat, a spirited Britpop Sing-Along, an intimate Broadway cabaret, and more.
Chief Executive Officer Lane Sugata, who begins their first season leading SFGMC, said, “RISING is both a celebration and a call to action. For 49 years, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has shown what can happen when LGBTQ+ people refuse to be silent—and choose instead to raise our voices together. At a moment when our rights, our stories, and our communities are under attack, we are not shrinking from the world. We are rising to meet it—with joy, courage, and song. As we begin our 49th season and look toward our 50th anniversary, we are not simply celebrating a remarkable history. We are singing the future into being.”
Artistic Director Jake Stensberg said, “We live in a time that asks a great deal of us. Season 49: RISING is our answer. Across three mainstage concerts, an intimate cabaret, and a season rooted in community, we lift ourselves and each other, because rising to meet this moment, together, is exactly what music is for. The world needs art like this. Joy like this. Resistance like this. We’re here for it, and I’m so glad you are too.”
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Concerts
SFGMC will usher in the December holiday season with Artistic Director Jake Stensberg on the podium, leading the powerful 250 voices of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, joined by a dozen dancers and a virtuosic eight-piece band for this year’s Holiday Spectacular.
Let your spirits soar with music, laughter, and a healthy dose of holiday sparkle! Whether you’re humming along to “Sleigh Ride,” singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” or grooving to holiday hits from Elton John, Ariana Grande, and Celine Dion, SFGMC has your soundtrack to the season covered. Throw in a diva medley that will have you dancing to “all the jingle ladies,” and you’ve got the recipe for holiday cheer. Heartfelt, hilarious, and fabulously festive, these holiday performances bring families, friends, and chosen family together for a tradition that shines brighter every year.
December 4–5, 2026 – Holiday Spectacular at the Golden Gate Theatre
December 19, 2026 – Holiday Spectacular at Cal Performances, UC Berkeley
December 20, 2026 – Holiday Spectacular at the Green Music Center, Sonoma State University
December 24, 2026 – Holiday Spectacular at the Castro Theatre: Home for the Holidays
One-Hit Wonders
What’s that one song that gets you moving? The one that brings you back to late-night drives, packed dance floors, or the moment you finally felt like yourself. The best songs don’t just top the charts. They become part of our story. Through unforgettable anthems, personal stories from SFGMC singers, and plenty of heart and humor, those memories come to life. Come along on this feel-good ride through music’s greatest one-hit wonders.
March 20, 2027 – One-Hit Wonders at the Curran Theatre
DIVAS!
The divas who raised eyebrows, broke rules, and gave us permission to be unapologetically ourselves take center stage in a Pride celebration like no other. These are the women whose voices didn’t just rise—they raised generations of listeners along with them, giving queer communities a soundtrack for survival, protest, joy, and self-expression. From show-stopping anthems to boundary-breaking performances, these songs have kept us dancing, dreaming, and rising for generations. Let’s turn the volume all the way up for the icons who helped us find our voice.
June 5, 2027 – DIVAS!
Chan Center Performances
Make Them Hear You, October 17, 2026
Every voice has a story worth hearing. SFGMC brings Broadway’s most powerful moments into an intimate cabaret setting with songs of courage, longing, and self-discovery.
Through unforgettable solos, duets, and ensemble moments, these songs reveal the power of speaking up, standing tall, and finding strength in vulnerability. Lean in, listen closely, and be moved by the voices that remind us that one song can spark momentum.
Holiday Sing-Along, December 10, 2026
Calling all carolers! SFGMC invites voices of all ages for a festive sing-along filled with familiar favorites, unexpected twists, and plenty of sparkle. Led by Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg, this annual tradition brings friends and families together to sing loud, laugh often, and share the joy of the season. Don your gay apparel, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to sleigh the season with song.
Queer Lunar New Year Celebration, February 19, 2027
Ring in the Year of the Goat with an evening, presented in partnership with GAPA (GLGBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance), honoring community, creativity, and connection. Inspired by the Goat’s spirit of peace, harmony, and compassion, this special gathering brings together music and culture that reflect the beauty and resilience of QTAPI (Queer and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islander) communities. Gather together for joyful performances, meaningful connections, and a high- energy celebration of the voices that make our community shine.
Britpop Sing-Along, March 11, 2027
Zig-a-zig-ah! Get ready to sing along to the greatest hits from across the pond! Hosted by the ever-fabulous Lady Camden, we’ll belt out favorites from Adele, Elton John, Queen, the Spice Girls, and more. We’ll bring the lyrics—you bring your best mates, your biggest sing-along energy, and your inner pop star. It’s going to be gloriously loud. Sing it loud, sing it proud!
Divas Sing-Along, June 17, 2027
Unleash your inner diva! Step into the spotlight for a night of powerhouse vocals, iconic anthems, and unapologetic fun. Belt out the songs that defined pop music, shaped generations, and gave us the confidence to shine a little brighter. Whether you’re a casual crooner, karaoke legend, or lifelong pop fan, grab your friends and get ready to sing, dance, and serve your biggest superstar energy.
Crescendo – Annual SFGMC Benefit Gala
Saturday, April 17, 2027 at 5 pm
Westin St. Francis Hotel
335 Powell Street, San Francisco
Tickets and complete event details to be announced
Arts & Entertainment
Published on August 27, 2026
Recent Comments